Veddah Chief expresses condolences to Meethotamulla victims

Veddah Chief Uruwarigelage Vannila Ettho who expressed his deepest sympathies for the victims of the Meethotamulla incident said he had foretold the impending danger but the authorities had ignored it.

He told the media that he was shocked to hear of the tragedy that befell a large number of families, along with a death toll of about 30 who were buried alive.

“It was not a natural disaster but a man-made one. The ill-planned policies of the successive government for several decades resulted in the tragedy. The very first day I noticed the Meethotamulla dumping ground, I said it would result in a massive disaster. It is my vehement belief that people must protect the environment, or else the environment will take its revenge. It is not possible to avoid garbage. Many other countries use garbage as an asset for gainful purposes. However, it is said that our rulers failed to implement an effective garbage disposal plan. They still blame each other for their ills. Our leaders should put their heads together and resolve the issue without attempting to pass the baby to others.” He further said the unprecedented and sad incident in Colombo, the capital, would bring disrepute to the country.